Illinois congressman wants to permanently end web tax

WASHINGTON, D.C. — An Illinois congressman wants to extend a measure that currently prevents state and local governments from taxing Internet services.

U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren is a sponsor of the proposal. The Republican from Winfield says adding a tax would be harmful to economic growth and hinder Internet innovations. He says the Internet has become an essential tool for education, jobs and running businesses.

The tax ban on Internet services is set to expire in November, unless lawmakers decide to extend it.

The Internet Tax Freedom Act was first enacted in 1998. The ban prevents state or local governments from imposing new taxes on Internet access. It also prevents imposing multiple or discriminatory taxes on Internet commerce.